Boberger Niederung Nature Reserve

Hamburg's last shifting dunes are in the Boberger Niederung nature reserve. The Boberger Dunes are a remnant of the Ice Age, which is home to rare animal species and is a popular destination for Hamburg families and nature lovers.

The Boberger Niederung nature reserve is located in Hamburg's Billwerder and Lohbrügge districts. It is one of the most species-rich nature reserves in the Hanseatic city. The area of ​​about 350 hectares was put under protection in 1991 and includes the natural monuments Boberger Düne and Achtermoor, existing since 1968. The Boberger lowlands include, among others, Geest, moorland and marshes, as well as a quarry pond, the Boberger See with swimming areas. The inland dunes are a popular destination for recreation. The formerly existing farms, such as the "Uhlenburg", were abandoned and relocated to Klein Nordende near Elmshorn. In particular, the Boberger slopes with their orchid meadows have been added. The Bach Ladenbek runs through the grounds. Conservation experts speak of the Boberger lowland as the most botanically valuable area of ​​the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg. Here are still many species that are already on the Red List, home; 110 plant species that are also listed in the Red List, such as gold thistle, centaury and marsh heart leaf, can be found here. Among the five species of orchids that can be found here, mosquito-hellebore, broadleaf and marsh-stemwort, large-leaved two-leafed and broadleaf orchid is one that does not occur anywhere else in Hamburg. Although in the Boberger lowland in the past few years, some species of animals, such as the woodlarks, no longer found, but many endangered species have here a haven: the blue moor frog, the Blauflügelige badlands freak, the green woodpecker and the kingfisher. Highly endangered butterflies such as green iridescence and blood droplets and other insect species such as sand dune beetle, wart biter and antlion find shelter here as well. Through the southern part of the lowland in the east-west direction, the Bille flows through the Billwerder march towards Tiefstack. In cold winters, it is possible to skate for kilometers.Source: Wikipedia

The Boberger dunes are always available for a short bike ride. When a balloon is then made ready for take-off, that's a nice experience.